Around $2.5 million is heading to 15 Wisconsin community health centers and two La Crosse academic institutions to help combat the opioid epidemic.

The funding is part of $400 million awarded nationally by the Department of Health and Human Services. The community health centers are set to get $2.4 million.

“While progress has been made increasing access to these services, community health centers are still working to ensure that the recovery programs are sustainable and they can hire qualified staff members to best meet significant community needs," said Stephanie Harrison, CEO of the Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association.

Viterbo University in La Crosse is getting about $741,000 to enhance training for students preparing to become behavioral health professionals.

Western Technical College in La Crosse is getting around $103,000 to enhance training for students preparing to become behavioral health paraprofessionals.